🥋 Grappling Programs at Ares MMA Hillcrest

Explore BJJ (Gi), No-Gi Grappling, and Wrestling

At Ares MMA Hillcrest, we offer a complete range of grappling programs to suit all experience levels — whether you’re training for self-defense, competition, or personal growth. Each class builds key skills, but they offer different styles and focus areas. Here's what we offer and how they differ:

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – With Gi

What it is:
A traditional grappling martial art where practitioners wear a Gi (kimono). Techniques involve grip-based controls, positional strategy, and submissions such as chokes and joint locks.

Key Benefits:

• Builds patience, timing, and technique

• Teaches how to control and submit an opponent using leverage and clothes

• Great for structured learning and belt progression

What’s unique:
Gripping the Gi allows for slower, more technical control. You are allowed to use what you are wearing and what your opponent is wearing as part of your weapons.

🤼‍♂️ No-Gi / Submission Grappling

What it is:
A faster-paced, version of Gi-BJJ practiced in rash guards and shorts. Focuses on movement, speed, and submissions without grips.

Key Benefits:

• Excellent for MMA and modern submission competitions

• Teaches scrambles and transition speed

• Understand control without Grips

What’s unique:
No-Gi is faster and slicker — no grips means you rely more on positioning and body mechanics.

🧩 Wrestling for BJJ & MMA

What it is:
A foundational grappling style focusing on takedowns, clinch control, top pressure and getting your opponent on their back.

Key Benefits:

• Dominant takedown and control game

• Perfect complement to both Gi, No-Gi grappling and MMA.

• Builds explosiveness, balance, and mat awareness

What’s unique:
It’s all about control — wrestling gives you the power to choose when and how a match goes to the ground.

🤝 How They Work Together

Many of our students train in two or all three styles, as they complement each other and create a well-rounded grappling game. Whether your goal is to compete, defend yourself, or challenge yourself in new ways, we’ll help you find the right path.

Your First Adult Trial Class

We’re excited to welcome you to your first class at Ares MMA! Whether you're trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi, or Wrestling, here’s everything you need to feel prepared and comfortable:

✅ What to Bring:

• Water bottle – hydration is key

• Slip-on shoes or slides – Please ALWAYS wear shoes to class and when off the mats. No shoes on the mats.

• Nails cut – to insure to cuts or scratches.

• T-shirt and athletic shorts or leggings – no zippers, pockets or buttons

• Optional: Mouthguard (recommended but not required for your first class)

🎉 Don’t have a Gi? No problem.
We have clean, spare Gi uniforms available for beginners to borrow for free during your trial — just arrive a bit early so we can get you fitted!

Please arrive 10–15 minutes early so we can introduce you to the coach, sign a waiver, get you settled, and answer any questions.